Colorado Fires Continue to Spread During Night

The Lower North Fork fire has grown to over 3,000 acres, and burned down several houses. Jefferson County officials have confirmed that there has been a fatality linked to the fire. The death is under investigation, and no further information has been released at this time. Fifteen fire departments are already fighting the fire, with more agencies preparing to join.

Mandatory evacuations have spread to nearly 1,000 homes. All residents south of Highway 285, in the area, have been warned that they should be ready to evacuate as well. Evacuated residents were asked to go to Chatfield and Conifer High Schools. Large animals evacuated due to the fire can be taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

Due to the smoke from the Lower North Fork fire, the entire Denver metro has been placed under an air quality advisory. Authorities say if visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood due to a wildfire or controlled burn, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy. If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood it's recommended you stay indoors. This is especially important for people with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly.

Another fire has broken out near Loveland, but is already half contained. All other fires that started on Monday have been contained or extinguished. Winds are expected to dissipate over night, which will slow the fire's growth, and allow for air crews to join the fight, in the morning.